What Bubbles Up

In this 'Quick One' episode, Barry and Phil give their take on all the major announcements from Config, Figma's annual conference held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. This year's Config featured 4 major product releases: Figma Sites, Figma Make, Figma Draw, and Figma Buzz. They also announced Grids with Auto Layout, CMS for their Sites product, and Code Blocks. Barry and Phil discuss how all these new features, taken together, are both a boon to Design and to Designers, but also might be much ado about nothing in the age of Agentic Experiences. Enjoy!Drinks: Devil's Purse Brewing Co. Handline Kolsch, The Drowned Lands Brewery Green Yield Hazy IPALinks: https://config.figma.com/

We are still sharing great content from our live appearance at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, and our attendance at the Meta Creators Event at Geraldine's at the Hotel Van Zandt. This episode features our conversation with Melissa Kittson, the Director of Sponsorship and Advertising Strategic Development at the National Association of Broadcasters, or NAB. Though the night was wearing long by this point, we manage to get through a wonderful conversation about helping creators find their audience, their voice, and their value in the content marketplace. We discuss what Melissa and her team are doing to support creators as business leaders, and why the democratization of share of voice is so important in this day and age. Enjoy!Drinks: MultipleLinks: https://www.nab.org/

We are still sharing great content from our live appearance at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, and our attendance at the Meta Creators Event at Geraldine's at the Hotel Van Zandt. This episode features our conversation with Phil Sage, the Sr. Director of Design & Innovation at PepsiCo. Originally from Wales, Phil shares his thoughts on innovation and what is required of designers who are creating AI-powered experiences. This includes the increased need for systems thinking, empathy for those less capable, including student athletes, and open debate about the benefits and inherent risks of automation. Enjoy!Drinks: MultipleLinks: https://www.pepsico.com/

We are still sharing great content from our live appearance at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas, and our attendance at the Meta Creators Event at Geraldine's at the Hotel Van Zandt. This episode features our conversation with Robin Raskin, the former editor of PC Magazine, the Founder of the Virtual Events Group (VEG), and an absolute legend in the world of tech journalism. Robin shares her unvarnished thoughts on the creator community, the state of the tech world (and its leaders, who she knew way back when), and why, despite all evidence to the contrary, she remains hopeful and optimistic about the future, and those who will help create it. Enjoy!Drinks: MultipleLinks: https://virtualeventsgroup.org/

In this very special IRL episode, Barry and Phil come to you LIVE from the Meta Creators event at Geraldine's at the Hotel Van Zandt at SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas where they recap their panel, "Enterprise Design: The Death of Innovation?". They discuss both their overall takeaways from the discussion, but also the questions they were asked by the attendees. Later, they conduct a series of live interviews with a great selection of special guests: Robin Raskin, the former editor of PC Magazine and founder of the Virtual Events Group; Phil Sage, Sr. Director of Design & Innovation at PepsiCo; and Melissa Kitson, Director of Sponsorship and Advertising Strategic Development at the National Assocation of Broadcasters. It's a raucous, rowdy good time, reflecting the air of hope and positivity surrounding SXSW. Enjoy!Drinks: Random Red Wine, "Creative Kick" Spicy Margarita, Karbach Brewing Co. Love Street Blonde KölschLinks:https://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/events/PP152066http://www.dentsu.comhttp://www.wongdoody.comhttp://www.merkle.comhttp://www.publicissapient.comhttps://www.pepsico.comhttps://www.nab.org/

In this very special IRL episode, Barry and Phil come to you LIVE from SXSW 2025 in Austin, Texas. In this first in-person episode in 6 years of "What Bubbles Up", and in preparation for their panel, "Enterprise Design: The Death of Innovation?", Barry and Phil recap their experiences and learnings from their first day at the Festival of Creativity. We also hear from Lindsey Scales, Assoc. Director Acne Care at Galderma; Estelle Raffaele, International Business Partner and Media Architect at Dentsu; and returning champion and fellow co-panelist Val Vacante, VP of Solutions Innovation at Dentsu, fresh off their panel, "Pixels to Reality: How Gaming Is Transforming Our World". We talk about their impressions from Day 1, and share the varying definitions of the word "Innovation". Enjoy!Drinks: Coffee. Just coffee.Links: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/speakers/2065159https://www.galderma.com/, http://www.dentsu.comhttp://www.wongdoody.comhttp://www.merkle.com

In this episode, Barry and Phil do a quick one on the sudden rise and success of DeepSeek, the Chinese-developed open-source AI model, and its impacts on the stock market, geopolitics, and corporate investment strategies. We then take the opportunity to highlight our upcoming panel at South by Southwest. If you happen to be attending the conference, come stop by and see us discuss Enterprise Product Innovation with Val Vacante and Sara Alloy on March 10 at the JW Marriott, Salon 6. Enjoy! Drinks: Exhibit ‘A' Brewing Company We're Going To Need You To Come In On Saturday Scotch Ale, Strangebird Brewing Earthborn Stranger Hazy Doube IPA Links: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2025/events/PP152066

Fresh off the holiday break, Barry and Phil ring in the New Year with a quick kickoff of Season 6 of What Bubbles Up! Starting off with some New Year's resolutions, Barry and Phil welcome a special guest - Perplexity AI - to give suggestions for what topics they should discuss (and, hilariously, what guests they should have on) this season. They also give their hot takes on the recent IPG/Omnicom merger, and the potential ban of TikTok in the US pending the Supreme Court decision on January 10th. It promises to be another great season. Enjoy! Drinks: Coor Light, Victory Prima Pils Links: http://www. whatbubblesup.com

It's the holidays! And you know what that means...our annual "Year in Flights" episode, where we look back on the year that was, and discuss some of our favorite episodes from this past season, each one paired with a specific beer selection. This year, we're looking back at 6 episodes (yes, with 6 different beers!) whose guests captured our attention, brought about great discussion, and caught the ear of our listeners: Tracy Wong, Ginny Saraswati, Donald Chesnut, Peter Merholz, Daz McColl, and Kate Moran. Thank you to them and to all our guests this season, as well as to all of our listeners, for another great season of What Bubbles Up! We will be back stronger than ever with more content in 2025. Until then, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year to all. Cheers! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, Stacey Seronick, Senior Design Program Manager at IBM, joins us for a drink and a chat about being a strong mentor for junior designers within a large organization. We discuss how Stacey's matriculation at Bennington College, where she learned the nascent fundamentals of digital design, coupled with a stint as a digital designer at Macworld, gave her a great start in her Design career. We then discuss how she quickly learned the difference between Art and Design, in that the former asks questions, and the latter answers them. We then discuss how the great Phil Gilbert, the former Head of Design at IBM who bet big on Design and grew the team to over 250 practitioners, created a role that Stacey took and made all her own, providing operational efficiency, clarity, and an outcome-oriented mindset for the Design organization. Through this work, Stacey learned how to coach Designers on owning their career, advocating for themselves without being obnoxious, and the benefits of talking and thinking about oneself in the third person. Enjoy! Drinks: Dorchester Brewing Co. Galaxy Lights New England Hazy IPA, Trillium Brewing Company Vicinity Double IPA, Fresh Filtered Coffee Links: https://www.ibm.com/design/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, Kate Moran, VP of Research & Content at Nielsen Norman Group, joins us for a drink and a chat about the world of UX Research. We discuss the fortuitous start of her work at NN/g, a graduate thesis with an 'audience of one' in Jakob Nielsen himself, which eventually led to her present day role as the group's de facto Editor-in-Chief. We then discuss how her work researching and understanding the complicated relationship between UX and AI, and the perils it brings younger practitioners, can be offset by the all-important differentiator for creatives in general: taste. Finally, we talk about the important role NN/g plays, now even more than ever, in bringing an authentic voice to the discussion of the interplay between technology, design, culture, and psychology. A very important and timely discussion...enjoy! Drinks: Devil's Purse Brewing Co. Handline Kolsch, Atlas Brew Works Dance of Days Pale Ale, Oyster Bay New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Links: https://www.nngroup.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this truly global episode, Phil finds himself all the way in Bangalore, India, where he joins WongDoody's CDO and CXO, Mohan Krishnaraj, and Global CXO and returning guest Ralf Gehrig for a far-reaching conversation about the growth and development of the India Design Community. Mohan and Barry begin by regaling us with their recent experiences as keynote speakers at UXIndia '24, billed as the largest CX conference in the world. Although the India Design community has been around for 20 years, we discuss how it is now a desirable career choice, with the top technical schools offering stellar Design programs, thus making India a very competitive marketplace for talent on par with cities like New York and London. If you are a Design leader building out a team, or are simply skeptical about the talent level of the India Design Community, then this is the podcast for you. Enjoy! Drinks: Caribou Coffee Mahagony Blend, Bisleri Bottled Water Links: https://2024.ux-india.org/, www.wongdoody.com, www.infosys.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, we are joined by CMO, Marketing Strategist, Consultant, and Author Darren "Daz" McColl to discuss the role of the CMO in the age of digital transformation. Daz regales us with the incredibly journey he took to become the CMO of Neiman Marcus, after years in the trenches at various agencies, just as the global pandemic inflicted great financial burdens on retail brands that thrived on the in-store experience. We discuss the need to ruthlessly focus on the essentials when working with limited resources, but always thinking longer-term for the sake of the staff who remain. And we also take a trip in the way-back machine to discuss "Storyscaping", the book he co-wrote with Gaston Legorboru 10 years ago, and how much of it resonates today despite how much the role of CMO has irrevocably transformed. Enjoy! Drinks: New Belgium Brewing Company Voodoo Ranger Juice Force IPA, The Test Brewery The Discovery Of Fire New England Hazy Triple IPA, Jansz Tasmania Sparkling Wine Links: https://dazmccoll.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

With the seemingly endless creative possibilities made possible by the rise of GenAI, why does it seem more challenging than ever to be a Design Leader? In this episode, Adaptive Path co-founder, author, and Design Leadership coach Peter Merholz joins us for a beer and a chat to discuss this and many other topics. We discuss his journey from Studio Archetype in the mid-90's to the present day, where he leads his own consultancy, Humanism at Scale. In this role, Peter coaches Design leaders going through the 'liminal phase' of their careers as they adjust to new realities in the marketplace. We further discuss how the shift in focus from 'craft' to 'impact', and understanding how that may require a shift in identity, is one of several keys to ongoing success in this new reality. A very timely and far-reaching discussion...enjoy! Drinks: Mayflower Brewing Company Quahog Republic Golden Ale, Tree House Brewing Company Very Green New England IPA, North Coast Brewing Co. Scrimshaw German Pilsner Links: http://www.petermerholz.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, Phil and Barry share a drink and a chat with film director, writer, and author James Cox, who joins on the eve of the launch of his new book, "Grand Theft AI". James shares with us his journey starting out as a celebrated young filmmaker out of NYU, getting opportunities right out of the gate with films like "Highway" starring Jared Leto and Jake Gyllenhall, to his epic turn with Val Kilmer in "Wonderland", through to his awakening after a series of struggles that led him to write his first novel. Set in the year 2051, it is a story about a group of misfits trying to make money in a world so vastly accelerated by technology that human labor has become obsolete. We also discuss the importance of self-awareness and self-discovery, and the concept of creativity through pain. Enjoy! Drinks: Poland Spring Clementine Bramble Seltzer, Honest Urban Ade Lemon Sage Mint Lemonade, Athletic Brewing Run Wild Non-Alcoholic IPA Links: https://jamescoxbooks.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, Phil comes to us live from the Moscone Center in San Francisco to share his thoughts and experiences attending Config 2024, the annual conference held by the great folks at Figma. We talk about all the latest and greatest features coming to Figma and FigJam, as well as a new product, Figma Slides! We also talk about the expansion of Generative AI features in their products, the various talks given by Design and Product leaders, and some takeaways about the state of the Design community at large. Enjoy! Drinks: Devil's Purse Brewing Co. South Dennis-Style Table Beer Links: https://config.figma.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

Barry and Phil are thrilled to be joined by Donald Chesnut, a CX, Product Design and Customer Success Leader and the former CXO of General Motors, Mastercard, and Sapient. In this episode, Donald regales us with a brief history lesson of how the field of UX evolved from the early days of AOL to the present day of Product and CX, and what we can expect for the future of the field. We discuss the ethical dilemmas posed by data-rich, AI-driven experiences, and the role Designers must play in preserving intent, perception, and understanding for the user. We also discuss Donald's upcoming book, and how the lessons learned from the past are informing our shared future. Whether you are a seasoned design and UX pro, a junior designer just starting out, or a business leader trying to understand where the market is going, this is the episode you should listen to. Cheers! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, Barry and Phil are joined by Podcaster, Entrepreneur, Author, and the Founder and CEO of Ginni Media, Ginny Saraswati. With roots in Sri Lanka, Ginny shares her story of spending a decade in terrestrial radio in her adopted hometown of Melbourne, Australia, seeing the trend toward "autonomous listening", eventually starting her own podcast, and taking her listeners with her to New York. In the process, she found herself advising fellow podcasters on the craft of storytelling and the importance of creating an authentic audio identity. Thus was born her company, Ginni Media, to go along with "The Ginni Show", a podcast about podcasts. We talk about what makes for a good podcast idea, a good name, a good host, and a good guest experience. We wrap with Ginni giving us a thorough grading on what we are doing well, what we can improve upon, and most importantly...who does it better. Enjoy! Drinks: High Noon Pineapple Hard Seltzer, Trillium Brewing Company Congress Street IPA, Aquafina water Links: www.ginnimedia.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, Barry and Phil are joined by none other than the Chairman and Co-Founder of WongDoody, Tracy Wong. Tracy discusses his notion of 'Creative Democracy', a team-oriented approach to the art and science of ideation, about which he is writing in an upcoming book. Borne of insight, guided by inspiration, and supported by servant leadership, "Creative Democracy" is, at its essence, the acknowledgement that as long as there is a safe and conducive environment, good ideas can come from anywhere. We also discuss the ad industry of the early 90's, how the industry continues to evolve, and why in this constant state of change, businesses need to heed Jeff Bezos' words and focus on 'what stays the same'. Enjoy! Drinks: Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. Magic Rain Hazy IPA, Sixpoint Brewery Lil' Shucker Kölsch, Starbucks Pike Place Medium Roast Coffee Links: www.wongdoody.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, Barry returns from a week in Las Vegas for this year's installment of Adobe Summit. The theme of this year's Summit is 'Real World Application', wherein we discuss all the latest and greatest developments in the role of Generative AI in the Enterprise Content Supply Chain. We also discuss what might have been had the Figma acquisition gone through, and the power of community even among competitors. Enjoy! Links: www.merkle.com, www.wongdoody.com Drinks: J Wakefield Brewing New England Douple IPA, Just Water --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, Ralf Gehrig, the Global Chief Experience Officer for WongDoody | Infosys, joins us for a drink and a chat about all things Experience Design in the year 2024! We begin with Ralf's origin story as the son of a butcher and restaurateur, followed by his entrepreneurial stints running a small design firm, its eventual acquisition by Infosys, and finally his current role. We then delve into 3 key areas of deep discussion that all designers should be thinking about this year: designing for value, AI (of course), and what needs to change as a result of the other two factors. It is a wide-ranging discussion that should be a real treat for those in the Design community. Enjoy! Drinks: Berkshire Brewing Co. Lost Sailor IPA, Basic City Beer Co. Our Daily Pils German Pilsner, German Hard Cider Links: https://www.wongdoody.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, Barry and Phil welcome new guest Maury Postal, a strategist, Creative leader, digital nerd, and Principal of The Office of Maury Postal. Maury joins us for a drink and a chat about what predictions he has for 2024, and what he resolves to do about it. We discuss everything from craving technology that just works, to craving a return to the natural world and how the two are inextricably linked. We also lament the unfortunate demise of Invision, and an overall sense of the end of the "fun" Internet. It was such an engaging and wide-reaching conversation, Maury shared 8 predictions and we only had time to discuss 5! Enjoy! Drinks: 3 Floyds Brewing Co. Pride & Joy Mild Ale, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Hopkeeper Double IPA, Inky Spanish Red Wine Links: https://mopostal.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

You've heard of beer flights. Well, get ready for a podcast flight! Join Phil and Barry as they host their annual Year in Flights episode and sample a collection of great moments from their fourth season of podcast interviews, each clip paired with a different craft beer. It's been a fantastic year, and we share the stats to prove it! Thanks for listening, commenting, sharing, and joining us for every episode on this crazy ride. Happy holidays and we'll see you all in 2024 with a new season of What Bubbles Up! Drinks:  Barry - Athletic Brewing Company Netflix's The Witcher's Hoppy Helles Geralt's Gold, Einbecker Brauherren Premium Pils, Wachusett Brewing Company Wally Juice New England IPA, Smuttynose Brewing Company Robust Porter, BuzzBallz Chillers Egg Nog Phil - Starr Hill Brewery Snow Blind Doppelbock, Cantina Cantina Arrange Disorder Double IPA, Samuel Smith Old Brewery Nut Brown Ale, Alewerks Brewing Company Coffeehouse Milk Stout, Hardywood Brewing Company Gingerbread Stout Links: http://www.whatbubblesup.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

Barry and Phil are joined by Holden Bale, the Global Head of Experience and Commerce at Merkle, for a drink and a chat about where digital experiences are heading in the (not too distant) future. In this far-reaching and engaging conversation, we discuss the Four Forces that are impacting Experience today, and the ways they are making companies fundamentally shift their channel strategies. We also discuss how 'the collapse of the funnel', once a punchline at conferences and lectures, is now a stark truth for both CTO's and CMO's, requiring enterprises to be able to draw a straight line from their business strategy to their technology strategy. Enjoy! Drinks: Downeast Cider House White Slushie, Suarez Family Brewery Nimble Pils, Pennings Farm Iron Mountain Hard Cider Links: https://www.merkle.com/en/merkle-now/ebooks/b2b-futures-.html --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, we are joined by Rocco Albano, a professional artist and classical art aficionado (plus VP of Customer Experience at Merkle). But in Rocco's youth – he was PEZ, the infamous Philadelphia Graffiti artist. Today's episode is the very personal story of Rocco's evolution - from graffiti artist and high-school drop-out, to contemporary artist and digital experience strategist & consultant.  It's a story of the power of art to transform lives. In Rocco's case, art was the catalyst helping him heal from childhood trauma, getting him sober (35+ years and counting), propelling him into college and into his successful professional career. During our freewheeling conversation we discuss how "unplanned moments" highlight Rocco's path through both dark times and light, including a chance encounter with Jane Golden, an American muralist and art educator, who became a significant influence in Rocco's life. We also talk about Rocco's kinship with the artist Caravaggio, and how 'living in interesting times' can create pathways to creativity. Enjoy! Drinks: Fresca, Poppi Prebiotic Orange Soda, Starbucks Strawberry Acai Lemonade Links: Rocco's Gallery: https://www.syncgallery.com/albano Rocco's artistic journey - https://pezroc.com/vision-of-artist-rocco-albano    Rocco's Art The Art of Graffiti - https://pezroc.com/the-art-of-graffiti Ghost Tag - https://pezroc.com/ghost-tag Museum in my Backyard - in the Merkle corporate collection: https://pezroc.com/museum-in-my-backyard Baroque Supernova - https://pezroc.com/baroque-supernova --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, long-time and multiple repeat guest Val Vacante, VP of Innovation at Dentsu Solutions, joins us for a drink and a chat about AI in gaming. Going all the way back to its 40-plus year origins in Pac-Man, Val discusses all the ways that gaming has sparked innovations in AI, and vice versa, including present-day experiments with companies like Niantic and Lego. We also delve into both the complexities and benefits of children interacting with AI in the state of play, and how these AI gaming experiences are informing and improving 'more serious' enterprise software experiences. Another fun and engaging conversation with Val - enjoy! Drinks: 3 Floyds Brewing Co. LazerSnake IPA, 3 Floyds Brewing Co. Gumballhead American Pale Wheat Beer, Tito's Vodka with Kombucha and Ginger Links: https://www.dentsu.com/us/en/solutions --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, returning guest Suff Syed joins us for a chat about his provocative report entitled 'The End of Design'. Already at almost 20,000 downloads since its release on his personal website, Suff's report lays out a strong argument for why Design leaders, by and large, have done themselves a disservice by not preparing for a world with Generative AI. Fortunately, as he has personally observed in his role in AI Leadership, Product & Design at Microsoft Research, there is hope for us all. In what he deems a paradigm shift, focusing less on Design and more on Creation, Generative AI can give designers ample opportunity to embrace change and take advantage of this game-changing technology. Download the report today, and enjoy this thought-provoking episode! Drinks: Lord Hobo's Flagship Beer Boomsauce Double IPA, Michelob Ultra Links: https://www.suffsyed.com/the-end-of-design-report --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, longtime friend and colleague Marco Ambrosio joins us for a beer and a chat about his new Generative AI storytelling platform, Magicbook. We discuss how becoming a parent inspired him to create his startup after a career in CX consulting and product innovation, and how technology and Generative AI can be a positive force in the parent-child relationship. We also touch on how fear of regret can be a bigger motivator than the fear of failure, and how science, creativity, and technology can combine to provide meaningful, positive social benefits. Enjoy! Drinks: Cisco Brewers Inc. Gripah Grapefruit IPA, Brooklyn Brewery Bodega Run Well-Stocked IPA, Quilmes Premium Lager Links: https://www.magicbook.kids/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, our friend and colleague Tod Rathbone, Global Chief Strategy Officer at WongDoody, joins us for a drink and a chat about the world of Experience Strategy and its role in Digital Transformation. We frame up the two leadership mindsets of 'ambition v. fear', and explore which one led him to pivot away from advertising in order to focus solely on digital. We also discuss what Strategy means in the age of AI, the balance a strategist must strike when considering both 'what if' and 'what is', and Tod's concept of the 'the tyranny of enablement'. Drinks: Fort Hill Brewery Fresh Pick American IPA, New Realm Brewing Company Hoptropolis Tropical IPA, Brewery Ommegang Neon Rainbows New England Hazy IPA Links: www.wongdoody.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this special "Quick One", Barry calls in from Las Vegas, where he is attending this year's edition of Adobe's annual Digital Experience Conference known as Adobe Summit. He tells us about all the amazing technology products Adobe is introducing this year, many of which focus on AI and Generative Art. We discuss how these technologies can impact corporate marketing efforts, and accelerate brand experiences for digital marketers large and small. We also discuss some of the keynote speakers and which ones had the greatest impact on his Summit experience. We also take a trip down memory lane, as Summit is a popular gathering place for all our former colleagues and friends, reminding us again how fortunate we are to be in this business. Enjoy! Drinks: Evil Genius Beer Company Stacy's Mom American IPA, High Quality H2O Links: https://business.adobe.com/summit/adobe-summit.html --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, Barry and Phil are joined by entrepreneur, author, and strategic innovation facilitator Aaron Bare. In this far-reaching conversation, Aaron shares the theories and concepts that form the theses of his bestselling book, "Exponential Theory: The Power of Thinking BIG". We discuss Aaron's "7 Universal Truths" that can enable organizations and leaders to think big about their business and the world at large. We also have a hearty discussion about which leaders are exponential thinkers, why organizations that are ruled by fear rarely succeed, and the connective tissue between business, psychology, and science. This is truly a mind-bending topic we think our listeners will really enjoy! Links: https://www.aaronbare.com/ https://a.co/d/ajPNZxa Drinks: Lord Hobo Brewing Company Boomsauce Double IPA, DuClaw Brewing Co. Regular Beer American Craft Lager, Iced Tea --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/support

In this episode, DesignOps leader and Visual Artist Marya Triandafellos joins us for a chat and a drink about the world of AI-driven generative art. We explore the fascinating nuances of art ownership in the age of NFT's, and what makes generative art pieces ownable or simply thievery. We discuss the mechanics of creating an NFT, the open marketplaces that allow artists to sell them, and how to spot a truly great piece of generative art amongst a sea of mediocrity. Enjoy! Drinks: Progression Brewing Co. The Adults Are Talking New England IPA, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Distorted Perception Juicy IPA, Ground Breaker Gluten Free Inclusion Dry Hopped Pale Ale Links:  instagram.com/marya.nyc opensea.io/maryanyc marya.nyc skwair.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/support

In this Quick One, Val Vacante, VP of Solutions Innovation at Dentsu, returns once again for a recap of everything she saw at this year's CES. We discuss all the cool innovations in wearables, AI-driven technology, and of course, massive televisions. We also talk about Dentsu NXT Space, an innovative platform created by Dentsu in collaboration with Microsoft, LinkedIn, and HeadOffice.Space for Web3 test-and-learn approaches to retail challenges. Enjoy! Drinks: Bay State Brewing Company Becky Likes the Smell Imperial IPA, Trader Joe's Brewing Company Josephs Brau Winter Ride Doppelbock, Kosmic Kombucha with Ginger and Tito's Vodka Links: https://www.dentsu.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

Join Phil and Barry as they crack open a cold one and discuss what's in store for WBU listeners in this fourth season of What Bubbles Up! Drinks: Samuel Adams Boston Lager, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery Crimson Cru Red Ale --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

You've heard of beer flights. Well, get ready for a podcast flight! Join Phil and Barry as they host their annual Year in Flights episode and sample a collection of great moments from their third season of podcast interviews, each clip paired with a different craft beer. It's been a fantastic year, and we share the stats to prove it! Thanks for listening, commenting, sharing, and joining us for every episode on this crazy ride. Happy holidays and we'll see you all in 2023 with a new season of What Bubbles Up! Drinks: Barry - Zero Gravity Craft Brewery Green State Lager, Von Trapp Brewing Bohemian Pilsner, Lagunitas Brewing Co. Super Cluster Mega-IPA, Troeg's Independent Brewing Mad Elf Ale Phil - Aslin Beer Co. Berliner Weisse w/ Passion Fruit & Mango, Quattro Goombas Black Widow Schwarzbier, Bell's Brewery Hopslam Ale, Campanology Brewing Barrel Aged Stout Links: http://www.whatbubblesup.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

In this episode, WBU goes Hollywood as Adam Novak, Author and Head of the Story Department at William Morris Endeavor Agency, joins us for a drink and a chat about the art of writing great stories. After 33 years of doing script coverage for some of the greatest movies of the last 25 years, and writing 4 of his own novels as well, Adam distills his vast knowledge down to the 5 Rules of Great Writing. Adam regales us with stories from his career in Hollywood, and how it informed much of the subject matter of his own work, including his latest novel, Rat Park, available now on Amazon. Enjoy!   Drinks: Cisco Brewers Wandering Haze Hazy IPA, Terrapin Beer Company Hopsecutioner IPA Coke Zero Links: Rat Park, available now in paperback and audio versions - https://a.co/d/fjgS4kw --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

When you've had a decades-long career, and eventually reach the point when you want to figure out what's next, what do you do? You write a book! And that is exactly what our guest, Dan Roche, decided to do. With a 20+-year career consulting for the Federal Government, Non-Profits, NGO's, and Public Services, Dan devoted his attention and energy into taking all of that knowledge and packaging it up into his first book, a consumable and highly entertaining guide titled, "The Total Beginner's Handbook for Doing Business with the Government". We discuss how this idea came about, why this was the right time to do it, and what he hopes people can learn from it. We also discuss how the editing process is often more arduous than the writing process, how starting without an outline sometimes allows for the most creativity, and why betting on oneself is always a good idea. Drinks: Rogue Ales Dead Guy Ale, Deschutes Brewery Fresh Squeezed IPA, Champion Brewing Company Cavalier Lager Links: https://danroche.com https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLG2PQG7/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

In this, our annual Halloween episode, returning guest, novelist, horror writer, and CEO of Cold Room Entertainment David Bergantino joins us for a drink and a chat about writing for video games. In this conversation, we discuss how writing games requires non-linear "world building", making it decidedly different than writing for any other medium. We also talk about how AI-driven tools like GPT3 and Dall-E have both transformed the genre, and made great storytelling even more of a differentiator than before. Enjoy, and Happy Halloween! Drinks: Havoc Mead Psychopomp Sour Cherry Mead, 3 Floyds Brewing Company Zombie Dust Undead Pale Ale, Cellarest Beer Project Won't You Be My Neighbor Links: https://coldroomentertainment.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

"Candidates Apply. Remarkable Hires Get Found." Such is the tagline of Portfolio Rocket, the career management firm founded by this episode's special guest, Loren Greiff. Loren joins us for a conversation as part of our four-part miniseries geared toward stewarding a Creative career during difficult times. In this episode, Loren talks about how to best position yourself to pursue jobs that are never posted to any job boards. We discuss how most people still don't know how to sell themselves, and how Simon Sinek's approach to organizational culture can help build a compelling personal value proposition for prospective employers. We also discuss how far one's passion and personality can go toward securing your next job, and dispel (and confirm) some myths, legends, and conventional wisdom about getting hired. Enjoy! Drinks: San Pellegrino Pomegranate & Orange Sparkling Water, Polar Starfruit Lemonade Seltzer, GT Kombucha Guava Goddess Links: https://www.portfoliorocket.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

In this episode, we are joined by Scott Gieske, a designer and creative director, who, after 25 years in the agency and consulting world, pursued his passion for fine art, and has never been happier. We discuss the path Scott took as a creative professional, and the events that inspired Scott and gave him the confidence to pursue his dream. We also discuss the commercial aspects of his thriving art store, and the pitfalls of pursuing your passion without a plan. Enjoy! Drinks: Goose Island 312 Summer Shandy, 3 Floyds Brewing Lazersnake Indiana Pale Ale, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale Links: https://www.scottgieskeart.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

So many talented folks are suddenly finding themselves searching for their next opportunity, which begs the question, "how does a creative professional bulletproof their career"? Luckily, this episode's guest has the answers. Joining Barry and Phil for a drink and a chat is Lee Andrese, Vice President of Learning and Development at Onward Search and a long-time career strategist and advocate for creative professionals. In this episode, we discuss the value of bringing a product- and value-based mindset to the employer-employee relationship. We also discuss how behaving more like a front-end developer can help keep creative professionals relevant in their careers, and how doing so is more important than ever now that cradle-to-grave jobs no longer exist. Enjoy! Drinks: Paulaner München Lager, 3 Floyds Brewing Lazersnake Indiana Pale Ale, Sodastream Carbonated Water Links: https://www.onwardsearch.com/about/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

Eiko Kawano, Director of Product Design at Loblaw Digital, joins us for a drink and a chat about the benefits of doing creative work outside of her "day job". When not leading teams in the pursuit of award-winning digital experiences, Eiko is a seasoned writer, with 3 novels and a novella under her belt. In this conversation, we discuss how Eiko's diligent pursuit of her writing side hustle refuels her for the work she does day-to-day, and in turn helps her be a better leader by encouraging her teams to do the same. We also discuss how pursuing creativity helps people identify themselves more holistically than just by their occupation alone, and somehow, we veer into the subject of...space vampires?? You'll just have to listen to figure that one out. Enjoy! Drinks: Narragansett Brewing Co. Fresh Catch Golden Ale, Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Mind Haze New England IPA, Mill Street Organic Original Organic Lager Links: Please consider donating to the GoFundMe campaign in support of the victims of the Ireland's Four Courts tragedy: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-victims-of-irelands-four-courts-tragedy?qid=36b1c8b5f260411a12fd6e5c7ce0de07 ...and to the venue: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-irelands-4-courts?qid=5385f7188e0da320520bcd25eeed7814 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

In this very special episode, Barry and Phil are joined by none other than Jesse James Garrett, co-founder of formative UX Design agency Adaptive Path and author of the seminal book, "The Elements of User Experience". Jesse takes us through his journey from designer, to entrepreneur, to business leader, to corporate executive, and finally to his current pursuit of providing Creative Leadership coaching. We discuss why being a Creative Leader is different than other types of leadership, the dynamic between team-leading and team-building, and, on the 1-year anniversary of his infamous FastCo article, what attributes do and do not make for great creative leadership today. This is an inspiring and hopeful conversation with one of the true luminaries of the design world. Enjoy! Drinks: Lawson's Finest Liquids Triple Sunshine Imperial IPA, Dogfish Head Brewing Co. Slightly Mighty Low-Cal IPA, Blackhammer Brewing Zoom Room Romance Belgian Tripel Links: Leadership Coaching: https://jessejamesgarrett.com/ Podcast: https://findingourway.design/ Books: https://www.amazon.com/Elements-User-Experience-User-Centered-Design/dp/0735712026 The FastCo Article: https://www.fastcompany.com/90642462/ux-design-is-more-successful-than-ever-but-its-leaders-are-losing-hope --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

In this episode, the inimitable Dan Brown, Principal and Co-Founder at EightShapes, joins us for a chat and a drink about the world of Information Architecture. Dan talks about how the IA domain has evolved over the years, and how his company has evolved with it. In the process, we discuss what is needed to make good ideas come to life now that the skills and tools required to build well-constructed products have converged so much over the years. We also discuss the ways that designing projects has changed, from titles and casting, to documentation, and everything in between. Enjoy! Drinks: Leinenkugel Summer Shandy, Devil's Backbone Lime Margerita, High Quality H2O Links: EightShapes, LLC: https://eightshapes.com Books Designing Together: https://tinyurl.com/WBUDanBrown1 Communicating Design: https://tinyurl.com/WBUDanBrown2 Practical Design Discovery: https://abookapart.com/products/practical-design-discovery Cards Surviving Design Projects: https://www.thegamecrafter.com/games/surviving-design-projects-v2 IA Lenses: https://www.thegamecrafter.com/games/information-architecture-lenses Podcast A Lens A Day: https://open.spotify.com/show/2saemBQZKAzRGuDhO9y8Hi?si=37500f0ea9e049e9 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

In this episode, Merkle's Director of Social and Content, Nick Verlaney, joins us for a chat and a drink about all things social media. Nick runs down why each of the top social platforms were, are, and still can be great ideas. We also discuss the ways that businesses can uniquely take advantage of all the benefits that social provides, while avoiding the pitfalls and 'dark truths' that often come with those strategies. And as we reveal, one great idea is to join Barry and Nick for Merkle's Fast Currents LinkedIn Live series, starting May 5th. Enjoy! Drinks: Amherst Brewing Company Jess IPA, Maine Beer Co. Lunch IPA, Boulevard Brewing Company Dark Truth Imperial Stout Links: https://www.merkleinc.com/, https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6924479661884280832/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

What were the best ideas at SXSW this year? Valerie Vacante, Director of Strategy and Product Innovation at Merkle, joins us for a drink and a chat live from Austin, Texas with her observations on the 2022 South by Southwest Festival. Val runs down her 5 favorite new product and service ideas of the week and dishes on other discussions, events and presentations from the festival. We cover everything from the Metaverse, the Future of Work and the rise of digital-physical experiences to the phenomenon of "Retro Revival". Enjoy! Drinks: Tröeg's Brewing Company Perpetual IPA, Three Notch'd Brewing Ghost of the James American Pale Ale, Sparkling Water Links: https://www.merkleinc.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

In this episode, Jack Bradley, Executive Producer and Partner at HiFi Project, joins us for a drink and a chat about the ever-changing world of commercial music production. We discus how to give constructive feedback (even when you don't have a music background), how to think through the dreaded "buy" vs. "borrow" vs. "create" question, and how much much it costs to license one of Annie Lennox's most well-known songs. Enjoy! Drinks: Wormtown Brewery Be Hoppy IPA, Precarious Beer Project You Freakin' Out Bro? German Pilsner, Dorchester Brewing Company Neponset Gold Golden Ale Links: https://www.hifiproject.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

In this episode, Andi Robinson, Global Digital Content & Brand Leader at Corteva Agriscience, joins us for a drink and a chat about successful content marketing strategies. Andi gives us some great ideas about how to launch successful content marketing campaigns, how to operationalize consistent messaging in a decentralized, global company, and shares with us why content isn't just king, but rather the entire kingdom. Enjoy! Drinks: Prairie Artisan Ales Seasick Crocodile Sour Ale, Devil's Backbone Brewing Co. Backbone Premium Lager, Diet Coke Links: https://www.corteva.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

In this episode, Dave Meeker, Head of Design & Innovation and Global Chief Innovation Officer for Dentsu Americas, joins us for a drink and a chat about design in a world enabled by Web 3.0. Dave gives us his honest take on the Metaverse, tells us why "shiny object syndrome" can be the right place to start inventing the future, and delivers a wild and entertaining history lesson on the web from 1.0 to present day. Enjoy! Drinks: Fort Hill Brewery Farmer's Fresh IPA, Virginia Beer Co. Saving Daylight American Wheat Ale, Espresso with Jameson Whiskey and Bailey's Irish Creme Links: https://www.isobar.com www.dentsu.com www.merkle.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

What were the best ideas at CES this year? Val Vacante, Director of Strategy and Product Innovation at Merkle, joins us for a drink and chat about her observations from Vegas and the 2022 Consumer Electronics Showcase. Val runs down her 5 favorite new products and dishes on a few other "interesting" concepts as well. We cover everything from contactless commerce and immersive digital experiences to the difference between "cool" and "innovative" new products. Enjoy! Drinks: Stella Artois Belgian Pilsner, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Christmas Morning Stout, Prosecco and Strawberries Links: https://www.merkleinc.com/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message

Join Phil and Barry as they crack open a cold one and discuss their New Year's Resolutions for the third season of What Bubbles Up! Drinks: Bent Water Brewing Company Thunder Funk IPA, Ithaca Beer Company Flower Power IPA --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/whatbubblesup/message